John McCain’s Concession Speech: The Return Of The 2000 John McCain
What was most striking about Republican Senator John McCain’s classy, gracious, unity-embracing concession speech shortly after it became Democratic Senator Barack Obama had enough electoral votes to win the White House? Two things:
1. Unlike in past races, McCain didn’t turn out to be the non-winner who lingered before conceding: he quickly moved to put an end to the political race and begin the nation’s political healing process.
2. But, most strikingly, the speech was vintage 2000 John McCain — and it was perhaps a bit bittersweet to some of McCain’s 2000 supporters who voted against him this year as they most likely wondered: “Why didn’t he talk like this during the campaign? Why didn’t he run using this same tone and persona?” McCain’s speech made it seem as if a long-lost twin brother had suddenly reappeared. It was one of the finest moments of his long, troubled campaign. This time he wasn’t worrying about the reaction of his party’s base — only what he felt needed to be said. Just like in 2000.
The full text of his speech is HERE.
5 Responses to “John McCain’s Concession Speech: The Return Of The 2000 John McCain”
I agree. I became a Republican in 2000 just to support McCain. I found his speech tonight quite moving.
It was a great speech by McCain. I say this as an Obama supporter – if this had been the McCain that had campaigned for the presidency, there might have been a very different outcome.
[...] you did not hear John McCain’s concession speech, you must listen to him and read the comments of Joe Candelman. This was one of John McCain’s finest political [...]
Joe,
As a fellow McCain circa 2000 fan, I completely agree. His remarks were perfect. He tamped down the negative reaction with a very firm hand.
Makes you really wonder why he mothballed Mike Murphy. In the end, I am not sure he could have overcome the uphill climb he had with the Bush legacy and the economy, but I bet a more positive 2000 style campaign would not have triggered the electoral numbers we are seeing tonight.
[...] right-wingnut liberals who can’t take a stand on anything (read: moderates, like me) had the same reaction that I did when I heard McCain’s concession speech. Perhaps this loss will have the same effect on the [...]